It's easy to blame legislators for our budget mess. As a Democrat, I blame the intransigent Republicans. But, honestly, I should blame myself. In fact, voters of both parties have themselves to blame.

We voters established a budget system which fails in normal years and which is failing horribly now. What's wrong?

First, California requires a two-thirds vote to pass a budget. Let's note that only a couple of other states does this, our federal government doesn't do this.

Result? An intransigent and uncompromising minority can block balanced budgets. Moreover, the intransigent majority can escape blame by pointing fingers at the minority party. Everywhere else in the world, the majority party enacts a budget and is clearly responsible to voters if the budget is stupid.

We need to end the two-thirds vote requirement.

Second point, end gerrymandering. Legislative districts that are carved out for particular parties encourage the election of uncompromising extremists.

The bottom line: California voters established a system built to fail. We can change it.

– Stephen L. Gould, Sacramento

An argument for Prop. 11

The state budget fiasco is a good reason to vote "yes" on Proposition 11, the redistricting initiative. Proposition 11 would take away many of the secure seats both parties enjoy today, and they enjoy those secure seats because party legislators hand-carve their own districts. When party legislators know their seats are secure, they have no incentive to compromise on the state budget, and they can safely ignore the views of moderate and independent voters in their districts ("Revenue shift seals the deal"; Page A1, Sept. 19). Where are the representatives of moderate and independent voters in today's Legislature?

Proposition 11 is sponsored by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Common Cause, the League of Women Voters and many other reform groups. A citizens' commission, not legislators, would draw district lines according to specific nonpartisan criteria. Redrawn lines would affect enough legislative districts to make both parties more responsive to moderate and independent voters.

Of course, Proposition 11 redistricting reform by itself wouldn't be enough to end the partisan gridlock in today's Legislature. (Ending the two-thirds vote rules on budgets and taxes and public financing of campaigns are other steps). But it's the only reform on the November ballot.

– John Abbott, Sacramento

Sick of the posturing

Thanks to The Bee for supplying information to contact our legislators and urge them to get back to work and come up with a "real" budget plan rather than the "reckless and dishonest" plan approved Tuesday ("Lawmakers need pressure on budget"; Editorial, Sept. 18).

I am sick and tired of the posturing seen nearly every day from the politicians that are supposedly serving the people in California.

Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata enjoys posing for pictures with state workers at union rallies, presuming an air of innocence of having taken them hostage by delaying our budget and causing our governor to cut positions and wages.

Last week he was posing again while saying the legislators would override the governor's veto, which made it appear that our legislators were not at fault for this budget crisis.

Earth to Don Perata and Karen Bass, can you read me? Our budget was due June 30. You passed a "smokescreen" budget last week and you still won't take responsibility for your actions. I believe it is time to do the right thing and vote in a new set of legislators that will actually serve the people.

– Jim Dickinson, Carmichael